VNExpress-Feb 25
Vietnam’s tourism industry received 14 million travelers during the nine-day Tet holidays, a 12% year-on-year increase, but faced mounting challenges from overcrowding and inconsistent service quality. Data released by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism showed average occupancy at hotels and other accommodation facilities stood at 70%, with major destinations such as Phu Quoc, Sa Pa and Phan Thiet reporting peak rates of 90-95%. There were strong economic gains for destinations across the country, with many reporting tourism revenues in excess of VND1 trillion (US$38.1 million). Ho Chi Minh City topped the list with over VND12.15 trillion, followed by Hanoi, Da Nang, Ninh Binh, Lao Cai, and Hue. Officials described this year’s Lunar New Year as an “especially vibrant travel period.” At several destinations, international arrivals were comparable to, even nearly matching, domestic visitor numbers. Pham Hai Quynh, director of the Tourism Development Institute of Asia, said tourists are increasingly opting for four- to six-day itineraries rather than short, tightly scheduled trips. Travelers also extended their spending beyond sightseeing, as demand for wellness services, premium dining experiences and shopping indicated. Nevertheless, industry insiders said there are recurring issues during peak holiday that need to be addressed, including overcrowding at tourism destinations, uneven service quality, especially with relation to pricing, and traffic congestion at major tourist sites. Read more at:
